The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political and institutional tensions in Kano State, urging stakeholders to embrace dialogue and prevent further escalation.
The coalition made the appeal in a letter to the President titled, “Kano at a Crossroads: An Urgent Call for Immediate Presidential Intervention to Prevent Crisis and Social Upheaval.”
The letter was jointly signed by the coalition’s conveners, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma and Peter Hassan Tijjani. Copies were also sent to key national security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency.
The group said timely intervention by the President could encourage restraint among political and community leaders and help sustain peace in the state.
It also expressed concern over a viral video purportedly showing Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, a candidate for Gwale Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, displaying what appeared to be a pump-action rifle at a political gathering in Janbulo.
According to the coalition, the Kano State Police Command had invited the candidate for questioning over the incident. It stressed, however, that the circumstances surrounding the video remained subject to investigation and due process.
The CSOs urged politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other influential community figures to avoid inflammatory statements and actions that could heighten tensions.
They also called on security agencies to monitor developments and take preventive measures against violence, intimidation, hate speech and the destruction of property.
The coalition further advised political appointees at federal and state levels to exercise restraint in matters relating to the Kano Emirate dispute, particularly issues currently before the courts.
It emphasised the need to respect judicial proceedings and decisions while ensuring that disagreements are addressed through lawful and peaceful channels.
On political activities, the group called for equal protection for all parties, candidates and supporters, alongside investigations into reported cases of damage to campaign posters, billboards and other political materials.
It maintained that anyone found responsible for violence or unlawful conduct should be held accountable, regardless of political or traditional affiliation.
To promote understanding among stakeholders, the coalition proposed an inclusive peace dialogue involving the federal and Kano State governments, traditional institutions, political parties, security agencies, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, and civil society organisations.
It also urged political parties to focus their campaigns on governance, development and public welfare rather than issues that could deepen divisions among residents.
The coalition noted that Kano’s commercial, cultural and political significance makes peace in the state important to the wider region and the country.
Describing the current tensions as an opportunity for early preventive action, the group urged the President and other stakeholders to prioritise dialogue before disagreements escalate.
The CSOs concluded by calling on political and community leaders to uphold peace, democratic participation and the rule of law as political activities intensify in the state.
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<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
